Where Is Machine Espresso 1 Year From Now?
Where Is Machine Espresso 1 Year From Now?
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How Does Machine Espresso Work?
Machine espresso uses precision pressure and incredible filter technology to produce the coffee we love. How exactly does it work?
To make espresso, hot water is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee. The process is similar to that of making drip coffee. However, the pressure is the primary difference.
The Head of the Group
The group head is the portafilter you place in the espresso maker when making it. It is responsible for dispersing water into the portafilter before controlling the pressure of the extraction. There are many different types of group heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some focus on temperature stability, others on pre-infusion features, and others are designed to control the lever. There are also some that contain a variety of features, such as the E61 one, which is the most popular choice among baristas due to its capacity to offer multiple benefits in one package.
As you can see from the photo above, the group head is fitted with a variety of notches. It is possible to place your portafilter inside these notches, and then turn the head around to secure it. There is also a gasket made from rubber in the notches, which helps create an airtight seal after inserting your portafilter into the machine. The notches on the head allow for a precise positioning of the portafilter which is necessary for an efficient extraction.
The group head is not just able to allow you to put in your portafilter easily however it also keeps the same temperature. This is achieved by cycling hot water around the portafilter and through the brew-basket, ensuring the temperature is always right to extract the coffee. This is vital, because even a small difference in temperature can make the difference between a excellent and great espresso.
The Pump
The motorized pumps used in espresso machines that rotate provide the nine atmospheric bar pressure that is required to extract espresso. This is different from manual piston machines that rely on a lever. This pressure builds up by removing tap water from a reservoir and pumping it through a heat exchanger prior it is shot through the ground coffee in the group head.
Pumps tend to be cheaper and last longer than piston-driven machines. However, both kinds of machines can degrade because of frequent use and inadequate cleaning. They also increase the complexity of mechanical systems which can result in an expensive price for even the simplest models.
Some espresso machines remove the pump completely and make use of steam pressure to make espresso. This can result in over-extraction because the boiler that produces steam also heats the water until it comes to a boil. Additionally these machines are often required to restore their pressure between cups, which takes time and energy.
Many espresso machines make use of a rotary or vibration pump. A vibration model employs an oscillating disk to create pressure, while the circular model pushes hot liquid through the ground at a rapid speed. Both machines can produce excellent espresso, however rotary machines are quieter, more durable and less likely to break.
The Boiler
The boiler is what will heat the water to the perfect temperature to extract. The resulting steam is then transferred to the portafilter, which contains ground espresso beans and gets funnelled down into the cup. The steam is able to create enough pressure to push the coffee grounds through. This produces a layer of crema on top. This is a sign of a good espresso.
There are three types of espresso makers, which differ in the type of pump they use and the degree of heat that the espresso is. There are also different ways in which the brew could be controlled, as well as the dimensions of the cup the machine can produce.
The first espresso machines were steam types. They employed one boiler to create both brew and steam, however, the pressure they could produce was very low - just two bars of atmospheric pressure maximum. This resulted in the coffee tasting bitter and burnt. The modern espresso machine was developed by the Milanese manufacturers more info Luigi Bezzerra & Desiderio Pavoni.
The most popular espresso machine is a semiautomatic that has an electric pump. When people think of espresso machines, they envision these machines. With a semi-automatic machine, you need to grind the beans and then tamp them by hand. The pump regulates the flow of water and pressure. This is a great compromise between the human touch and the mechanized accuracy.
The Filter
Typically, espresso machines have a filter to separate out the grounds of coffee when they pass through the hot water. The filter is also an important element of the temperature control system, since it helps prevent the machine from overheating.
It also enhances flavor, as a filter lets you enjoy a longer bloom time. This helps the beans to release their flavors and provides an opportunity to improve extraction.
However it is crucial to keep in mind that even a top filter can produce a bad cup of coffee, because the quality of the beans and extraction are vital.
It's here that the magic takes place. This is what makes espresso taste so good. The grouphead, often referred to as the brewhead, is where the portafilter (the thingy you put the ground coffee in) sits when you're making espresso.
Steam-driven espresso machines make use of hot water heated in an airtight container to make steam. The steam then pushes hot water into the coffee grounds under high pressure. These kinds of machines are generally less expensive and easier to maintain than pumps-driven models. However, they are limited in their capacity to create the perfect brewing conditions because they operate at 1-1.5 bars of pressure. While the perfect shot requires 9-10 bar.
In recent years, compressed air-pump-driven espresso machines have been gaining popularity. They utilize an air compressor to force hot water through the ground and are much more mobile than electric steam-driven espresso machines.